CARLTON will take on the winless Swans at home this Saturday for its Round 3 clash at Marvel Stadium.

The Blues will go into Saturday’s match hoping to notch their first win after showing promising signs in the first two rounds.

Sydney will be desperate for the four points having fallen short in the opening rounds to land 14th on the ladder after Round 2.  

Details: Marvel Stadium, Saturday, April 6, 1:45pm (AEDT)

Transport: Buses are replacing trains on parts of multiple metropolitan and regional train lines due to major upgrade works. Fans attending the match at Marvel Stadium should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and her for all game day info.

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton stayed with Port Adelaide for three quarters in Round 2 but were eventually outrun by the Power.

Although the Blues missed their opportunity in Adelaide, standout performances from their young stars — particularly Jacob Weitering and Sam Petrevski-Seton - mean they will take confidence into their clash with Sydney. 

Despite the best efforts of star forward Lance Franklin, who finished the night on three goals, the Swans fell 26 point short to Adelaide in Round 2.

With their final’s credentials in question after their 0-2 start, the Swans will surely be motivated to secure the win away from home.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET:

Carlton matched the Swans for three quarters last time these two sides met at the SCG in Round 11 last year.

Working hard to win clearances and contested possession, Carlton led the Swans by one point heading into the third term.

The Blues were wasteful in the third term, blowing opportunities in front of goal to allow Sydney to hit the front with five unanswered goals.

Veteran Kade Simpson led the way for the match with 27 disposals, while Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni led the charge up forward with two goals each.

Despite the best efforts of the Blues, Sydney took advantage of its opportunities to finish with a 20-point victory. 

BLUE FOCUS:

This week Carlton welcomes back three key Blues into the mix, with Caleb Marchbank set to make his return.

Marchbank has returned to full training after a pre-season interrupted by back injury, and the key defender is sure to be a vital cog against Sydney. 

Also joining the line-up this week will be Levi Casboult and Lochie O’Brien, who have been in strong form for the Northern Blues throughout their practice matches.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Fans can expect a fiery contest when Nic Newman runs out in Navy Blue to face his old side for the first time.

The young defender has hit the ground running at his new club, averaging 23 disposals and 10 rebound 50s across the first two rounds.

Mentioning this week that he would love to line up on former teammates Will Hayward and Tom Papley, Newman will get his wish this Saturday and he’ll be keen to make an impression.

BLUE VIEW:

A fourth-quarter fade out won’t cut it against a motivated Swans outfit on the hunt for their first win.

Youngsters Sam Walsh and Will Setterfield will need to be unrelenting through the centre in what is sure to be another fierce midfield battle. 

The match-up to watch will be the defence duo of Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering on Sydney star Lance Franklin.